Public Health Responses to COVID-19 Outbreaks on Cruise Ships — Worldwide, February–March 2020

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Cruise ships are often settings for outbreaks of infectious diseases because of their closed environment and contact between travelers from many countries. What is added by this report? More than 800 cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred during outbreaks on three cruise ship voyages, and cases linked to several additional cruises have been reported across the United States. Transmission occurred across multiple voyages from ship to ship by crew members; both crew members and passengers were affected; 10 deaths associated with cruise ships have been reported to date. What are the implications for public health practice? Outbreaks of COVID-19 on cruise ships pose a risk for rapid spread of disease beyond the voyage. Aggressive efforts are required to contain spread. All persons should defer all cruise travel worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.